Search Plugged In

Vodcast: What Parents Need to Know About Pokemon GO

A Clinton is running for president and people all across the United States are going bananas over Pokemon. You’d be forgiven if you wondered for a moment whether or not you had accidentally traveled back in time to the 1990s.

Even if you’re not already trying to catch ‘em all yourself, you’ve likely heard something about the new Pokemon craze: Pokemon GO.

Since its arrival in app stores last week, the free-to-play phenomenon has captured the attention of our entire nation. Call it a fad, call it a timely (and, for many, welcome) distraction from emotionally draining headlines, or even call it late for dinner, Pokemon GO is dominating phones—and news cycles—everywhere.

It’s even invaded our offices here at Plugged In.

Adam and I (and a few others) have been checking out the game over the past few days in order to be able to give you our first-hand impressions here. There have been a lot of crazy Pokemon GO-related news items floating around, and we wanted to dive into just what, exactly, the game is… and what it is not.

Adam dove into Pokemon more fully for Focus on the Family, touching on some of the long-standing spiritual concerns that many have with the game.

Today, though, we wanted to break down what the game is, how it plays, and a few tips for parents and families who are trying to figure out the nuances and boundaries that come alongside this game that comes complete with fun buzzwords like “augmented reality.”

And for those looking for an audio link (maybe so they can listen to our vodcast while playing Pokemon GO), here it is.

Also, in addition to our run down and show-and-tell of the game here, we have created “A Quick Pokemon Go Guide for Parents” that you can download here. It includes a brief breakdown of the game’s key elements as well as discussion points for parents who are letting their kids play—and for parents who have decided not to let their kids play.

Jake Roberson is Plugged In’s social media manager and strategist. He’s the father of four children and husband of one wife, and he quite likes life that way. He also likes writing about entertainment, pop culture, dadhood … and food. He’s also a former Guinness World Record holder for participating in the largest hacky sack circle. Catch up with him on Twitter @jake_roberson

Have something to say? Leave a comment.

My tween boys had been begging to try the game, so I agreed to download it on my phone and do it with them. We also invited a boy from school as well with a redemptive purpose. They had so much fun, and afterwards, we went for cheeseburgers and slushies while I shared the Gospel with the friend we invited. He was so hungry for the truth, and all of the walls were gone after having so much fun together. God can use anything... even Pokemon Go.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

We won't be playing this game in our house at all. I've actually had to restrict my 12-year from playing on any electronic devices for awhile--a long while. She becomes so obsessed with them, that's all she even thinks about--not friends, not family, not hobbies, and certainly not responsibilities. She has been off electronics for a couple of months now, and finally I have my sweet daughter back. She is enjoying the real world again, and is much happier for it.

Shayne Weltmer

More than 1 year ago

Great job! Keep strong. You are not there friend right now.

Barn Cat

More than 1 year ago

I won't play the game. It has magic potions. I've played games in the past that involved magic and have had demonic activity in my house. The games I played were the Dragon Warrior series for NES, Pharaoh, Cleopatra, and Age of Empires for the PC.

Carl Patterson

More than 1 year ago

It certainly does NOT have magic potions. And there is nothing magic or demonic activity in this game.

Schizphrenia is a very treatable disorder. You just have to take the first step and go see a mental health worker today.

Eydie Samuel

More than 1 year ago

Can someone tell me what the word Pokémon means?

AsayPaul

More than 1 year ago

It's sort of a shortened, Japanese version of "pocket monster." Here's an interesting article for how the word came to be: http://time.com/4411912/pokemon-go-word-origin/

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

It's not the overt signs of demonism/satanism that should concern young families (and I suppose the uninformed adult population as well) about what the world introduces next in any given period of time. It's the subtle manifestations that should be picked up on our spiritual radar screens. Besides, the serious occultists largely remain anonymous and they prefer it that way. But in recent weeks the media has been reporting incidents that have been both innocent as well as illegal in our communities as it pertains to "pokemon go". Just last night (7/19) on the evening news there was a report of a driver crashing into a police cruiser in Baltimore, Md. while playing this game while driving! For the most part, all that Satan and his minions have to do in this world is to create a distraction from doing what's right. For the world to engage in things like pokemon, pokemon go, harry potter, etc., that would be normal and I would expect that from the world. My concern is that the church does not take her Christian values to the market place. Instead, the church seems to enjoy having one foot in the world and the other in the Kingdom of God. The church, today, does not seem to have much interest in being like the Bereans in Acts 17 or even attempting to follow Paul's teaching in Phil. 4:8-9. Followers of Christ, in this age, need to exercise more discernment!

Jennifer Brown

More than 1 year ago

You felt so strongly about your comments you could not even leave your name!

Carl Patterson

More than 1 year ago

I see this game as an opporunity for me to fellow with other players and share gospel of God. Perhaps you should view this way instead of label pretty much everything in the world "demonic."

I'm wary of letting my young teenagers have this game on their phone, mostly because they don't pay attention where they're going in the first place, they don't need this added distraction and because I don't want them going off places on their own or at night by themselves. My husband and I have downloaded it and we play together as a family. I'm thinking about letting the kids get it, but we would need to set definite boundaries and consequences.

The main concern in my house has been more technological and less content. According to an IT admin friend of mine, Google allows a level of access for Pokemon GO to the some of the security settings of Android devices that is pretty concerning. So, for right now, we're not touching it.

Scøtt Härris

More than 1 year ago

This didn't give much of an opinion. Kind of like they were Switzerland. It SHOULD have addressed the looney bin Christians who are screaming demonism & the downfall of humanity. (See posts on this page!). Instead, they pandered to the FOTF support base, American Neo-cons, and said pretty much nothing. Very disappointing.

Dan Haynes

More than 1 year ago

Agreed. Somewhere along the line, FotF (and other similar "ministries") jumped the shark and became more about generating fear to drive donations from frightened parents (with the end goal of gaining political influence, I firmly believe) than any real attempt at fulfilling the Great Commission.

I lived through the Satanic Panic of the '80s, and this is no different. All the rage over very bad naughty music, art, D&D, movies, etc. just made them more attractive to my churchgoing friends and me. All the naysayers are doing more to promote the game than any advertising ever could.

My 2 (gifted/talented, not to brag; ok, maybe a little) kids have been playing the Pokemon video games and collecting the cards,for many years and are now playing Pokemon GO! I know much more about the Pokemon universe than a cranky 45 year old dad probably should. I'm not about to allow superstitious handwringers to influence my parenting.

Billie Chan

More than 1 year ago

As long as those "very bad naughty videos, arts....etc.." that made them more attractable to you & yr church-going friends. ..... don't anger GOD or go against HIM. .... Bible tells us how the world will not like hearing or doing what HE has instructed. ... .....Jonah didn't want to tell a city of their wicked ways when GOD told him to Tell them ....He was afraid they would criticize him too.

Debbie Del Llano

More than 1 year ago

Sheeple

Debbie Del Llano

More than 1 year ago

why is it always about the christians? what about all the ADULTS running through other peoples property, rear ending others in a vehicle, walking out in front of others and vehicles. Dont people seriously have anything better to do with all of the upheaval thats going on in this country? Seriously dumb, and yes Im a christian and proud of it :)

RandomAXE13

More than 1 year ago

People will make an excuse for anything they don't want to give up. Satan loves that too. "It's just a game, I know the difference between real and make believe." "It doesn't hurt anyone." " Jesus would be happy we're spending time with our friends and relatives." "People who think this is bad or demonic are just wanting to keep us from having fun." The devil is super pleased that people can make any excuse to become immersed in anything that takes away from Jesus, or the time you spend with Him.

How many can honestly say they spend equal or more time in The Word than they do on their phone, playing games, or using various apps? How much time is spent on PG or any other time sucker? It's not just the content, which is designed to draw people in, ever so softly, but it is also the time spent on it. Time we could be with those who need us...family, neighbors, those who are lost...If we can spend hours daily on our phone in Pseudo relationships and games, we can spend time getting to know God more deeply. We will never reach a place where we cannot or will not grow in Christ, if we are truly seeking Him, not just hearing a message that makes us feel good once or twice a week , amen, and go home. I will be the first to admit that my phone had become an idol, that consumed my time, but like everything that takes precedence over Christ, it will lure you away until you are a lukewarm Christian, okay with whatever comes along, because you can justify it with an excuse about it "just being a game, and who are you to judge..." Praying for all of those here who have been blinded and mislead by this eastern mysticism based game.

Telah McClary

More than 1 year ago

Draw people into what? Satanism? The whole pokemon was created as anti Christian to draw people to Satan myth was debunked a long time ago.

I believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior. I also know this country has gone down hill. In part because of you. Yes you. Why you ask? Simple. You have changed and are doing the same things as the normal populace. Sunday Christians.

Last week my pastor at end of service summed it up. He said. " go into the world spreading the good news. Marking friends with people you normally wouldn't.(get out of comfort zone) he said that we should be making friends with gays, lesbians, with emos and the likes. Because as is our mission from Christ it's to preach and pray for and to and with the sick not the healthy. Maybe you all should stop casting the first stone. I for one will not stop playing Philemon go. Why. Because I don't have to and because the game is awesome. It gives motivation and it teaches lessons. It's better then you people texting and driving and talking on the phone.

Terry LaForge III

More than 1 year ago

Sorry about the spelling errors new phone not used to the keyboard.

*making, Pokemon,

RandomAXE13

More than 1 year ago

Actually, Jesus said to go into all the world making disciples of every creature. Jesus spent time with those considered sinners, eating and speaking with them, but He did not dive into friendships with them. He said that we are to flee from anything that even LOOKS wrong. He also said that we become like those we spend our time in the presence of. Those who live sinfully draw us away from Him. Being friendly and visiting with those who are lost is not the same as hanging together or becoming besties, because they will pull you farther away from God, than you will draw them to God.

Billie Chan

More than 1 year ago

Golden Rule of Rebuke: . .......“whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them” (Matthew 7:12). Be kind & with care when rebuking.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

I love Pokémon Go! Not only does it give me something to do while I take my walks everyday but it is a better way for me to track the distance I am moving. All the fitness apps I have found tracked by footsteps making it really hard for me because most of my workout clothes don't have pockets and with twins the best place to have my phone is in the stroller. I used to get very depressed every evening when my phone would send me an alert saying something like "you didn't move enough today" or "get up and get moving!" And then I would go through this spiral of "may as well not go for a jog today" and dig myself in a bigger pit of depression. But this app is helping me to better myself and pushing me farther everyday! (Yes I go farther out of my way to get another Pokestop but I am aware to stay out of unfamiliar areas) also it has been helping my introverted self because I see the same few people everyday at certain stops and get the opportunity to have a quick conversation which I believe can easily lead to evangelism!

Judy Ukrainetz

More than 1 year ago

I'm sad that your video about this game didn't mention anything about the origins of this game. As Christians we are not to be of the world and this game is opening people up to the occult. I'm saddened that plugged in didn't mention that Pokemon means "pocket monster" or devil or even gives a warning that we as christians are to have nothing to do with the occult. Not sure I can trust plugged in when you make light of a game like this by not doing more research.

Terry LaForge III

More than 1 year ago

Explain your statement please. what do you mean pocket monster?

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

If Pokémon Creator Admits Games are Anti-Christian, Aimed Towards Satanists that is fair enough for me. Don't like these kind of games anyways. Entertainments are every where, soccer, baskeball, baseball, grammy's, boxing, american idol, super ball and on and on. Is there time to seek God, His son Jesus, read His Word and pray? This nation needs God badly.

Sabrina Sabrina

More than 1 year ago

http://www.snopes.com/pokemon-satanist-anti-christian-inverview/

Telah McClary

More than 1 year ago

He never said that. Everyone who keeps saying this is passing on misinformation.

Honestly, I like this game. I'm 25 and a girl and married. My husband plays. I agree with the boundaries and awareness. I'm pretty sure I waked 3miles yesterday and would've on a normal basis. Also, I have probably seen like hundreds of players playing. I enjoy meeting a bunch of new people and I have actually exchanged numbers with several! Also I have never seen a game make people come together in such an amazing way, like you walk around then meet people and basically just hangout and talk about whatever while you wait for Pokemon to appear nearby then you all make your way together as a group to go catch that Pokemon! Also everyone helps each other so that's really awesome.

The Christian aspect of it, it opens doors for the gospel.

Evelina Ah-Kuoi

More than 1 year ago

Omgsh... Matt 7:13 is impressed on my heart right now; "wide is the gate & broad is the way that leads to destruction". Its a game of madness & a major distraction from the preaching work. We're living in the last days people. Wake up & stay watchful! Being-Under-Satans-yoke (BUSY) with pokemon is just another way to get our minds off whats really important, the eternal price. All the best to you so-called Christian parents who think this is OK. It's not OK!

Kyle Pierce

More than 1 year ago

So one can not relax? Why are you on the internet watching things about pokemon? Get out their and preach the word until you faint.

Terry LaForge III

More than 1 year ago

The game itself is not the problem. It's people not being able to walk and chew bubble gum philosophy. Stop blaming the game and blame the stupid people who can't handle reality vs fiction. I play it maybe an hour or two a day and I'm past level 20. I drive and play it and have no problems. I have less then those who txt or drive. I will post a video soon.

Telah McClary

More than 1 year ago

This really bothers me. By this mindset you can never have a moment to do anything except evangelize and serve. Just spending time soaking in the tub would be a sin by that standard. Ugh this whole comment thread is depressing. I'm off to teach my kids class at church and you can be sure I'll be asking my kiddos what pokemon they caught this week. Why? A. because I'm really curious and B. Because being able to relate to those in ministering to is huge in bringing them to Christ.

"Let he who is without seen, cast the first stone..." is what is coming to my mind right now. I was just over the age of Pokemon the first time around, but there were plenty of other "no, nos" He-Man, smurfs, care bears, goodness even Santa Claus. I think each of us have our propensity of sin... for me that can be a time sucker...therefore no Pokemon go for me. I think this is moderation issue. If it does promote needed exercise, family communication, or discovery of new places then great. If it continues to bring unwarranted accidents, trespasses, inappropriate places (Holocaust museum) etc then that is a problem. I read an article earlier that a teen young lady was hit by a car due to playing Pokemon, and the family blames the game... not sure i buy that one. The kids going out to play, need to have the common sense for traveling around and not invisibility. As a teacher and school starting in a month, i am seriously wondering how many Pokemon characters are in my classroom. How do they get them there? Also, once a certain geographic area is hunted down, then is it hunted out, or will more Pokemon show up there another day?

Terry LaForge III

More than 1 year ago

Philemon randomly generate all I c re the world. Some areas are populated differently due to geographical design. It's a use of google maps.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Thanks for putting a smile on my face! It was so funny to see that philemon randomly generate around the world! :D

Susan Wilkinson

More than 1 year ago

I own a small daycare and Pokémon Go has been a real problem for me! I take protecting the little ones I care for into highest esteem and this game is actually making that part of my job very difficult. We are constantly having random strangers wandering around the property. Some have been brazen enough to ask to be allowed into a fenced area where my children play!! Yesterday, I had left to do a couple of errands and while I was gone I received a phone call from one of my parents telling me that someone had placed a sign on the door of the daycare! This is NOT a public location and yet people seem to think this is perfectly acceptable.

The sign gave the address of another location. How do we know this isn't just an innocent sign but rather someone attempting to lure young children someplace we really don't want them to be? We HAVE to be careful and wise.

I am really not bashing the game. To be honest I love seeing everyone out walking in the evenings. It makes me think of what life may have been like in the 1950's but the moral fabric of this country is no longer that of what it was in the 1950's. I was born in the 70's and we were taught to respect other people's property and to understand what "NO TRESSPASSING" meant.

Do I believe that most of these folks are just simply playing the game? Well yes, but I also can not be so foolish to think that of everyone! Folks we MUST continue to keep in mind that true evil still exists in this world and while our faces are in the screens of our phones someone may actually be putting things in place to "capture" us.

Wise as serpents; harmless as doves.....oh be careful little feet where you go!

La Prieta

More than 1 year ago

Amen to that.

Tiffany Erickson

More than 1 year ago

You can send an email to Pokemon Go and they will remove your site from the game.

I have been playing for a few days. The first evening i went for a walk with my oldest for an hour. I have Ankylosing Spondylitis and it hurts to exercise so that is huge. The next day I took my son and we drove around to go find Pokéstops. I've discovered two absolutely gorgeous places I never knew existed that I will definitely be revisiting.

Long story short, more quality time spent with my kids, discovering beautiful public places to visit, and getting out for walks. It'd say it's been a very positive influence in our lives.

La Prieta

More than 1 year ago

There is no need for a game to make us feel like spend time with our family it should be something coming out of our hearts desire not from a pokemon game

Terry LaForge III

More than 1 year ago

Society has lost its touch. Philemon has always taught values to life just like the pbs stations. It's taught people how to not like someone but still get along. Maybe you people should spend more time loving those who love other things and bring back there attention where it needs to be.

Tiffany Erickson

More than 1 year ago

I agree with you guys, with Niantec's second augmented reality game (first being Ingress) this has absolutely skyrocketed beyond anyone's expectations. On the positives, within the last week I've been on several Poke-walks with my boyfriend and friends from my dojo. It is bringing generations out of the shadows, out of their basements and reintegrating them into society. In addition I've met more people in the last week than in a long time since you can tell they are playing and you can offer a tip, or where the cool spots are. There's a community growing around this, and it's self correcting due to the multigenerational base.

There's three teams Blue, Red, and Yellow, and already they are pulling from movies to create a Team Harmony which unites all three. Those who are going too far with rivalry and other things are being called out by their fellow players. There's a cop which keeps everybody safe in the games and shows and they are encouraging those of us 21 and over to take on her role and verify common areas and make sure we keep our fellow players safe.

For churches, if you want to honestly have people appear out of nowhere you can put out a Lure and people will come. Seriously! You wanna be Fishers of Men you can put out a Pokemon Lure.

It's also very limited in tutorials, and you should SEE how much communication is going on between strangers, let alone friends to everyone's benefit. That pattern could be used to solve many problems and create stronger communities.

Now on the flip side, you are absolutely right the fruit of self control is rare in this day and age, and with that we have the lowest common denominator. Bear in mind that we are looking at MILLIONS of people over MANY countries, so yes there will continue to be reports of accidents. My guess would be that the percentage it's still statistically far less incidences than when you get behind the wheel of a car. Now that said, there are certainly social boundaries which need to be set up around the game. Having poison gas Pokemon in the Holocaust museum TOTALLY needs to be filtered out.

In addition there are new forms of crime being developed around this, and so work with your fellow players. Go on walks in groups if this is of concern. When in groups only one or two have to keep an eye on the screen while the others have the freedom to look about, then you can find things together, (which is kind of the point). Pick a route with a bunch of Poke'stops and stick to it! (The stops refresh every 5 minutes, so you can loop if you want).

This is opening the door for a series of augmented reality games. Let's work together culturally to prepare with some new boundaries and let the community grow in people and shrink in waist size.

For those talking of magic and occult I give you Tinkerbell and just about anything Disney. Fairies are originally from Ireland along with other occult creatures and lore. Did you also know the reason C.S. Lewis became a Christian is because Tolkien would hang out with him and talk about mythology? Deep knowledge of Greek, Irish, Nordic, and other pantheons, and yet he couldn't get over the spirit moving "myth" of Jesus. There is a purity and reality which can't be denied when the Holy Spirit is involved. Just make sure both you and your little ones know God's abilities, and how much cooler they are than any game.

Let's work together, set some boundaries, stick to them, and let God be God, cause when those kids are wowed at their latest catch and how cool the powers are you can say, "Did you know Jesus walked on water once while calming a storm?"

The game itself is quite harmless really (at least from what I keep seeing and hearing from friends). Seems to be helping people get more active outside and can also lead to good evangelism opportunities.

Also I am having a good laugh at some of the comments here (especially the ones that claim that Pokemon is satanic and a party of the occult). As Christians, we really need to educate ourselves on this with reason and sound minds, and not cling to poorly sourced conspiracy theories and utter nonsense.

I am utterly disappointed in Focus on the Family. You have gone so downhill since Dr Dobson left. HOW can you justify such a game? It IS occultic, demonic. Philippians 4:8 people!!! You are leading the sheep astray and conforming to the world! How can you claim Christ when you look like everyone else?

I am done with you all. Family Talk is the only one worthwhile any longer.

JayCruz61

More than 1 year ago

Why would you even be engaging in playing something that is purely dominic. That's why I stopped listening to you on the radio. A little leaven leavens the whole lump...smh

Nickie Ayers

More than 1 year ago

Please share how this game is demonic? I'm a christian mother and need to hear the facts.

Telah McClary

More than 1 year ago

It's not demonic. As usual there is a group of Uber conservative, pharasitical Christians who think that anything that has any ties with elements from other religions or world views makes something demonic. It's sensationalist crap that has no foundation in reality. The creator of pokemon had never said that that this game is anti Christian or intended to draw people to satanism. He has however said that he has drawn elements from many different cultures. As a Christian and pastors wife myself these posts and accusations make me sad.

We need to be careful with everything however, the past two days, I walked 6 miles! My husband and I are doing it together when usually we just watch TV and don't talk. While we are walking around waiting for a creature to show up, we talk about things. I could care less about the cartoon, I just like the fact that I am going out walking.

ABOUT THIS BLOG

Good media discernment is about guarding our eyes and hearts before we watch or listen. And it's also about grappling with the entertainment we do see or hear. That's why the Plugged In Blog is devoted to guarding, discussing and grappling.